FAQs

If your dishes are not as dry as you like, try using a rinse aid (such as Finish® Rinse Aids*), which helps with drying and cleaning performance. These products help eliminate spots and residue.

You can also try changing the setting on your dishwasher. You can do this at any time during the cycle.

Depending on your model, you can choose from the below settings:

The Heat Dry option, in combination with a rinse aid (such as Finish® Rinse Aids), uses heat to enhance the drying performance, costing only pennies per cycle in extra energy. Please note that it is normal for plastic products and items with concave surfaces to retain small amounts of water.

The Sahara Dry®cycle adds a forced air system to the Heat Dry option. It’s available on select models, and offers the most advanced drying action in the dishwasher industry. When used with a rinse aid, it offers our best drying performance.

The PowerPlus™ Dry cycle adds a forced air system to the Heat Dry option. Available on select models and works best when used with a rinse aid.

The Air Dry option relies on air rather than heat, and may sometimes leave some dishes not completely dry at the end of the cycle. If you choose this cycle, you may see water vapor coming from the vent as it runs. This is normal – it’s simply the result of moisture wicking away from your dishes.

For more tips on drying your dishes, see www.dishwashingexpert.com.

*Registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners

What is the difference between a stainless steel interior and a composite plastic interior?

Plastic dishwasher interiors are durable, quiet, and offer optimal drying performance. They are also usually less expensive than stainless steel interiors. Typically these interiors are white, but many models offer a Granite Grey tone for a premium look and added stain protection.

Stainless steel interiors offer the quietest wash, are durable, and provide the greatest resistance to stains.

What is the difference between integrated controls and controls that are on the front of the dishwasher?

There are two types of dishwasher control panels: integrated controls and front controls.

Integrated controls are located on the top lip of the door and are hidden when the door is closed. You simply choose your wash and dry settings using these controls, push start, and close the door. Any illuminated controls will dim and the dishwasher cycle will start.

Controls on the front of a dishwasher are visible when the door is closed. You can see them throughout the wash cycle.

What does Smudge-Proof™ mean?

Frigidaire Smudge-Proof™ stainless steel features a proprietary protective coating that resists fingerprints and cleans easily. It’s one way our products help make kitchen maintenance virtually effortless.

How do I clean stainless steel?

Cleaning your stainless steel depends on what type of steel your dishwasher is made of.

Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel does not require special cleaners. You can clean it using only a damp cloth.

All other Stainless Steel should be cleaned with our recommended cleaner, Ecosential by Smart Choice™ Stainless Steel Cleaner, or with Cerama Bryte® Stainless Steel Cleaner.

When cleaning on any stainless steel appliance, we recommend that you avoid using harsh chemical cleaners containing vinegar or other acidic cleaning agents.

How can I ensure the best drying results?

For the best drying results, try the following steps:

Select the Heat Dry option or the Sahara Dry option. When you run a high temperature or sanitizing wash cycle, it can give you the best drying performance

Use a rinse aid. Check to make sure the rinse aid dispenser is full. The dispenser window may show a dot to indicate its level, or it may function like a fuel gauge. If the dispenser is low, remove the cap and fill the reservoir.

For the best cleaning and drying performance, your incoming water temperature should be between 120 and 130 degrees. If you are uncertain if your water is the appropriate heat, check your water heater's temperature reading.

To help get the hottest water to your dishwasher, try letting water run in your sink until it’s hot. This "primes the pump" – it gets hotter water to your dishwasher faster. (Your dishwasher uses about 3-4 gallons per cycle, limiting the opportunity the water has to warm up if it doesn’t start off hot enough.)

Some dishwasher models offer a Sanitize Rinse option, which delivers higher heat for maximum drying and ensures a 99.999% reduction of bacteria (as certified by the NSF).

Why is water in the dishwasher after it runs?

It’s normal to see some water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a wash cycle is completed. If you notice water covering the filter screen, try these tips:

Check that the drainage system is free and clear of debris.

If your dishwasher is hooked up to a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear the drain system.

If you have a new garbage disposal, the ”knock-out” plug might need to be removed from the disposal. (This step can occasionally be overlooked during installation.)

How do I know how much detergent to use in my dishwasher?

The amount of detergent you need to use depends on whether you have hard or soft water. To determine the proper amount, follow these tips:

- If you are using tabs, use only one at a time. If you’ve selected a quick or fast cycle, add the tablet in the tub so it dissolves in a 30-minute cycle.

- For powder, gel and liquid detergents, consult your owner’s guide, which lists the correct amount of detergent for degree of water conditions. You can also find more tips at www.dishwashingexpert.com.

To determine your water hardness, contact your water supplier or have your water tested by an outside source (such as a company that sells water treatment equipment).

For best results, follow these tips for detergent use:

Make sure the detergent is fresh. When it’s old, it might not dissolve properly.

Store detergent in a cool, dry place (under the sink is not the best location for it).

When loading the dishwasher, be sure that the detergent dispenser can open freely and that water from the spray arm can reach the open dispenser.

Because most detergents are designed to dissolve and activate at 120°F, your dishwasher will perform best if your water temperature is 120°F or higher at the start of a wash cycle.

What do the display messages mean?

Error codes are common messages that the dishwasher will display to inform you if there is something that needs to be addressed with the dishwasher. There are common error codes that can be easily reset due to small errors with the machine. Most of the time the codes can be reset by pressing start/cancel or by turning off the breaker or power to the unit.

Other error codes will require you to contact our call center to address and/or arrange service on your dishwasher.

Why is my dishwasher not draining?

To ensure your dishwasher drains properly, there are several things you can check for:

- The drain hose is properly routed from dishwasher to sink or disposer drain connection. There must be a loop in the drain hose. This allows for proper draining and reduces odors as well (see installation instructions for correct routing).

- The knockout plug is properly removed from the waste disposer so water can drain. Our dishwashers come with a plug in the drain port to prevent leaks if it is not hooked up.

- The filter or glass trap is not clogged. Pieces of food will block the drain system if it is too big to fit through the hose.

What does ENERGY STAR® qualified mean?

When shopping for an appliance, it's easy to recognize the ENERGY STAR® label that identifies qualified products. This label means that the product passed stringent standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, manufacturers are required to display their products’ test results on the ENERGY STAR® label. The label will tell you about the product's efficiency level, including approximately how much energy the appliance uses, its average annual operating cost, and how its energy use compares with that of similar products.

When shopping for an appliance, it's easy to recognize the ENERGY STAR® label that identifies qualified products. This label means that the product passed stringent standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, manufacturers are required to display their products’ test results on the ENERGY STAR® label. The label will tell you about the product's efficiency level, including approximately how much energy the appliance uses, its average annual operating cost, and how its energy use compares with that of similar products.